Arc 15: Heavenly Secret Realm | Chapter 302: Back in Sect

Arc 15: Heavenly Secret Realm | Chapter 302: Back in Sect

The pair of Shixiong and Shidi did not discuss this further and quickly continued on their journey. After several days and nights, they successfully returned to their sect.

On this journey, they did not encounter any more difficulties.

Upon entering the sect, they were supposed to pay their respects to their master.

When they arrived at Xiao Zhu Peak, they heard that their master was in closed-door meditation. Xu Ziqing was slightly taken aback and asked his third junior Shixiong, Qiu Ze, “Is Master alright?” He was worried that his master might have encountered some troubles over the years.

Qiu Ze, however, wore a joyful expression: “Master has touched upon the opportunity for a breakthrough and has been in closed-door meditation for over a year. He must be fine.”

Xu Ziqing was even more surprised. His master’s aptitude and accumulation were merely average, and without any elixirs or miraculous medicines, how could he achieve a breakthrough so quickly?

Seeing the doubt in his second Shixiong’s expression, Qiu Ze explained, “I can’t say for sure what the reason is, but on that day, Master suddenly mentioned the matter of entering closed-door meditation and sealed off his cave. Therefore...”

In fact, none of them guessed that the reason was that on that day, Master Qiu He was deeply moved by the two disciples who selflessly offered the rare Bosuo Fruit to him. Although his aptitude was lacking, his foundation was solid. After forming his golden core, he encountered few breakthroughs, primarily due to constraints in his mindset. In addition to feeling that he could not progress further, he felt guilty for his eldest disciple, who had not been close to him due to his neglect in caring for him during childhood and had almost taken the path of the ruthless sword path, a dead end. Even though his eldest disciple eventually succeeded in breaking through and gained great power, bringing along another exceptionally talented disciple, the regret in his heart had not diminished.

However, due to the matter of the Bosuo Fruit, Master Qiu He realized he was only troubling himself. His eldest disciple was focused on the sword path, and all he had to do as a master was to be happy for him. Even if his eldest disciple’s emotions were frozen, it still showed respect for him and care for his junior Shixiongs. Everyone’s temperament was different; perhaps his eldest disciple would have the same nature even if he didn’t practice the merciless sword path, so there was no need for him to constantly worry, as it would only hurt the disciples’ feelings. With this thought, the constraints on his mindset immediately vanished, and when he resumed his cultivation, it went much more smoothly.

Under such circumstances, Master Qiu He unexpectedly sensed that opportunity for a breakthrough. Although it was not guaranteed that he could truly breakthrough in one closed-door meditation session, he had at least touched the barrier, no longer blind to the immortal path ahead.

As for Xu Ziqing, after hearing Qiu Ze’s words, he nodded and did not press the matter further.

Soon, the eight junior sisters also came to pay their respects to the two Shixiongs. However, Long Xuan and Yue Jun, who were residing at Xiao Zhu Peak, were nowhere to be seen. According to Qiu Ze, they had also gone out to gain experience.

Xu Ziqing distributed some heavenly materials and earthly treasures he obtained in the secret vault to the junior Shixiongs and sisters, as well as a few useful spiritual tools, gifting them all. Only then did he and Yun Lie return to Xiao Lu Peak amid the delighted gazes of the younger disciples.

This peak still stood tall and proud, its sword aura soaring into the sky, and ordinary people dared not approach it.

The two Shixiongs stood on the clouds, and Yun Lie gestured with his finger, rewriting the three characters “Xiao Lu Peak” on the mountainside. The fierce intent that burst forth was even more powerful than before.

From then on, the domain of Xiao Lu Peak became even more dangerous.

This commotion also awakened others; below, a spirit bird suddenly spread its wings and flew out from a cave, transforming into a plain-clothed young man who bowed from a distance on the mountainside.

Xu Ziqing smiled at him and waved his hand, signaling him to return.

After that, the two descended and landed at the peak’s summit.

The summit was still filled with a chilling sword aura, lingering even after the master’s departure for several years.

Xu Ziqing looked around, feeling somewhat emotional.

He had been reborn in this world for over twenty years, yet he only felt a sense of belonging at Xiao Lu Peak. Only here did he feel particularly safe.

Yun Lie stood silently at the peak, raising his hand to unleash several black-golden sword auras, establishing restrictions around them and making the sealing of Xiao Lu Peak even tighter.

This situation seemed to suggest some calculations at play.

Xu Ziqing did not stop him and simply stood aside, waiting.

Before long, after setting up the restrictions, Yun Lie said, “Follow me.”

Xu Ziqing smiled and stepped forward to follow.

Although he often practiced swordsmanship with his Shixiong, the peak was not a forbidden place for him, yet he had never entered his Shixiong’s cave even once.

This piqued his curiosity.

The two entered the cave, which was quite spacious.

The twin lotus flowers bloomed and swayed in the pool, and Xu Ziqing flicked his sleeve again to release two glowing orbs.

The red and white orbs quickly transformed into two figures, which were indeed Yue Hua and Yan Hua.

Both had a fair amount of spirit, and although they had been stored in his sleeve, Xu Ziqing had not concealed their presence from them. They could naturally sense the external situation and understood they had arrived at their master’s cave. Upon seeing the Cold Jade Pool quietly set up, they felt increasingly grateful.

The two immediately came over to pay their respects to their masters, saying, “Thank you, Master.”

Xu Ziqing smiled and said, “This time, let the two of you recognize the mountain gate; from today on, you will cultivate here.” He then took out the Beast Taming Token, recited the incantation to open it, and in an instant, a white orb rolled out. In the blink of an eye, a huge spirit bird swiftly flew out, its wings stirring up a gust of wind.

Undoubtedly, this white orb was the fox bloodline Hu Xue’er, and the spirit bird was the mighty eagle Chonghua.

Having been confined for so long, they could no longer contain themselves. As soon as they were released, they immediately rushed to Xu Ziqing’s side, rubbing against him and acting adorably.

Xu Ziqing smiled with some fondness and said, “Xue’er, Chonghua, go and get to know Yue Hua and Yan Hua.”

The white orb’s fox opened its bright, watery eyes, looking extremely cute, while the majestic eagle nodded its head, showing a bit of clumsiness.

Yuehua and Yan Hua exchanged glances, showing respect to the two beast companions, and greeted them.

With such amicable interactions, it didn’t take long for them to form a good impression of each other.

Seeing this, Xu Ziqing felt relieved. “I will be in closed-door meditation with my Shixiong for a while, so all resources will be placed in this cave. You must not slack off; you need to cultivate diligently. Especially you, Chonghua, must work harder. Otherwise, next time I venture out, I might not be able to take you with me.”

The higher the cultivation level, the greater the danger. Chonghua’s level was too low, and it couldn’t always stay inside the Beast Taming Token. Otherwise, what was the difference between bringing it out and not bringing it out?

Upon hearing this, Chonghua nodded vigorously.

With that clarified, Xu Ziqing indeed left many beast crystals and other items, all useful for spirit beasts, and then he and Yun Lie returned to the peak.

Once they entered the cave, Yun Lie sealed the mountain gate.

Xu Ziqing turned to Yun Lie and said, “Shixiong, I’ll take my leave.” He intended to return to the stone chamber.

Yun Lie nodded slightly, “Wait until you form your core, then we will hold the grand ceremony.”

Xu Ziqing was taken aback but nodded in agreement.

The grand ceremony... He knew a bit about it. Typically, after a cultivator formed their golden core, if there were no major events within the sect, a ceremony would be held to invite friends for celebration. When his Shixiong formed his core, various matters followed, so naturally, he did not hold one. Now it was his turn, and his Shixiong actually wanted to celebrate for him... This truly made him feel both joyful and melancholic. Well, forming the core was indeed the most important matter now.

His Shixiong had accumulated a substantial foundation, so he might not form a nascent primordial soul for a while. If he could accumulate more and form his core early, it could be seen as catching up to his Shixiong.

Though in terms of martial power, he still wouldn’t be able to match his Shixiong, it would give him a boost of confidence.

Moreover...

Since his Shixiong remembered the Cold Jade Pool, he must also recall the various events in that demonic land. Yet his Shixiong did not create any distance from him; perhaps... this was not without hope.

Xu Ziqing smiled slightly.

After forming his golden core, he might be able to confide his feelings to his Shixiong.

<End of Arc 15: Heavenly Secret Realm>

Translator: Lynn

Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

Support me on ko-fi if you like what I do^^